SOFC stack having a high temperature bonded ceramic interconnect and method for making same

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to an integrated SOFC stack including, a first cell having a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer overlying the cathode layer, and an anode layer overlying the electrolyte layer. The SOFC stack also includes a second cell having a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer overlying the cathode layer, and an anode overlying the electrolyte layer. The SOFC stack further includes a ceramic interconnect layer between the first cell and the second cell, the ceramic interconnect layer having a first high temperature bonding region along the interfacial region between the first cell and the ceramic interconnect layer. The ceramic interconnect layer also includes a second high temperature bonding region along the interfacial region between the second cell and the ceramic interconnect layer.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 789,619, filed Apr. 5, 2006, entitled “A SOFC STACK HAVING A HIGH TEMPERATURE BONDED CERAMIC INTERCONNECT AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME”, naming inventors William J. Donahue, Oh-Hun Kwon, F. Michael Mahoney, and John D. Pietras, which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In pursuit of high-efficiency, environmentally friendly energy production, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technologies have emerged as a potential alternative to conventional turbine and combustion engines. SOFCs are generally defined as a type of fuel cell in which the electrolyte is a solid metal oxide (generally non-porous or limited to closed porosity), in which O2− ions are transported from the cathode to the anode. Fuel cell technologies, and particularly SOFCs, typically have a higher efficiency and have lower CO and NOx...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The present invention is directed to an integrated SOFC stack. The stack includes a first cell having a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer overlying the cathode layer, and an anode layer overlying the electrolyte layer. A second cell has a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer overlying the cathode layer, and an anode overlying the electrolyte layer. A cer

Problems solved by technology

In addition, fuel cell technologies tend to be quiet and vibration-free.

However, challenges exist in reducing the cost of SOFC systems to be competitive with combustion engines and other fuel cell technologies.

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